Regarding Music

Ep. 39 - Building a Career as a Freelance Musician with Barnaby Dickinson

In this episode, Eric Sheppard speaks with Barnaby Dickinson, a UK-based trombone player, about his varied career as a freelance musician. They discuss the importance of networking, building friendships in the industry, and the challenges of being a band leader. Barnaby shares insights on creating opportunities through personal projects and the some the tough realities of running rehearsals and performances. We also delve into the importance of gearing compositions for the right audiences and adapting musical content for various social media platforms.

Ep. 38 - Music Education and Creating Meaningful Performances with Andy Hudson

In this Episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Andy Hudson, a Wisconsin-based clarinetist and music educator, about his journey in music education. They discuss the balance between tradition and innovation in music, the joy and importance of teaching, the role of music in storytelling, and what it means to be a good music student.

Ep. 37 - Understanding Rondo Forms: Analyzing the Rondeau from Suite for String's Op. 7 No. 3 by Eric Sheppard

In this episode of Regarding Music Eric walks us through one of his compositions, a Rondo written for string orchestra. In this discussion we discuss what a rondo form is and some of the ways in which rondo forms can be expanded to create longer and more substantial pieces.

Ep. 36 - Conducting Jazz and Broadway Music with Matt Perri

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard and Matt Perri explore the multifaceted world of conducting, discussing Matt's journey from jazz musician to Broadway conductor, the challenges of leading diverse musical groups, and the importance of effective rehearsal techniques. They delve into the balance of authority and approachability in leadership roles, the significance of understanding musicians' backgrounds, and the lessons learned from mistakes in performances.

Ep. 35 - Classical Guitar Meets Electro-Acoustic Music: Releasing the Album "Voyage" with Ben Diamond

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with classical guitarist Ben Diamond about his second album, Voyage. They discuss the journey of creating the album, the composers involved, and the importance of collaboration and communication in the music-making process. Ben shares insights on the narratives behind the music, the complexities of performing with electronics, and offers advice for other musicians looking to navigate similar paths in their careers.

Ep. 34 - Growing as a Jazz Musician with Tobias Meinhart

Tobias Meinhartt is a New York based saxophonist and jazz musician. The discussion with Tobias in this episode of Regarding Music focuses on moving to different countries to pursue music, some of the differences and similarities between learning music in Europe and North America, developing skills in improvising, and the importance of being genuine in one’s approach to music.

Ep. 33 - Building Better Music Businesses with Ed Kort

Ed Kort is music producer who focuses on helping other musicians build their businesses and in this episode of Regarding Music, we talk with Ed about some of the difficulties musicians face with regard to creating online businesses, a number of the differences between music and other niches, the role of social media in developing a music business, and some ideas for musicians who are looking to profit from their artistic work.

Ep. 32 - Creating Computer Generated Music with Rafael C.

In this episode of Regarding Music, we talk with Raphael C, a Brazilian musician who uses computer programs to write music, about creating computer generated music, the technical skills and software involved with creating this music, and some thoughts on the future of AI in Music.

Ep. 31 - Building Community Within a Choir with Cathrie Yuen

Cathrie Yuen is a Vancouver based choral conductor. Our discussion in this episode of Regarding Music focused on such topics as building a community within a choir, rehearsing and performing choral music in different languages, putting one’s musical work on social media, as well as some ideas and advice for young conductors.

Ep. 30 - Performing and Composing Contemporary Music with Jonathan Hannau

Jonathan Hannau is a Chicago based pianist and composer. In this episode of Regarding Music we discuss Jonathan's experiences as a performer and composer, some ways composers can pitch their work to performers in a more compelling way, as well as some tips and advice for marketing and managing a reputation as a freelance musician.